Sara E. (Wright) McQueen Simpson Picker, 96, of Greenfield, formerly of Letts, Greensburg, Columbus, and Batesville, died peacefully Tuesday March 12, 2013, at Springhurst Health Campus in Greenfield. Born in Decatur County, Nov. 7, 1916, Mrs. Picker was the daughter of Arthur and Nelle Mae Harrell Wright.
Sara married Ray McQueen in 1941, and remained married until his death in 1960. Later, Sara met and married Frank Simpson and remained married until his death in 1985. Sara, while attending the Letts High School Reunion, met her former high school sweetheart, Edward Picker, and they were married until his death in 1994.
Sara was a 1934 graduate of Letts High School in Decatur County. Upon graduation, Sara attended nursing school at Indiana University in Indianapolis, where she graduated in 1939. Sara was a nurse at Columbus Regional Hospital where she retired. Sara then established the Columbus Convalescent Center. Sara was a 50 year member of the American Red Cross, Red Hatters Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Greensburg Historical Society, Psi Iota Society, and the American Legion. Sara loved to stitch, knit, embroidery, crochet, fish, and never met a stranger. In 2006, Sara received the Distinguished Hoosier Award presented by Governor Daniels.
Survivors include a brother, Robert (Louella) Wright of Evansville; a sister, Carol B. (Wright) Applegate of Greenfield; nieces, Paula (Dr. John) Farquhar, Debbie (Mike) Hewson, Diana (Greg) Miller, Donna (Bob) McDaniel; and nephews, Patrick Boicourt, Thomas Wright, Gary (Carlene) Wright, and Douglas (Phyllis) Applegate; several great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, John McQueen; her parents; her husbands, Ray McQueen, Frank Simpson, and Edward Picker; her sister and brother-in-law, Willa and Ace Boicourt; brother-in-law, Robert H. Applegate; and nephew, Michael Boicourt.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., on Thursday, March 14, 2013, family and friends may call at the funeral home from12 to 2 p.m., on the day of the service. Robert McAuley will be officiating. Burial will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Springhurst Health Campus in Greenfield, whose compassion and care will always be remembered.
You may light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the Internet.
www.jewellrittman.com
